[deeaalexus]

Hello all. My name is Deondra and I am new here. I am looking for a place that I can find support for what I am going thru.
I am 24 years old, and weight 218.8 lbs. And I need some help. I have tried the 6 Week Body Makeover, but couldn't digest the greens well (acid reflux). I tried Weight Watchers, but didn't lose anything in 9 weeks. I tried Atkins, but all the beef made me sick (again, acid reflux). I don't know what else to do. I want to lose this weight so I can be happy with myself, and not put my health at risk. I have a family history of diabetes, and I don't want to join that club. I guess I just need to talk.

I am completely unhappy with myself. And it reflects in everything that I do. My room is a mess. My car is a mess. And I am just not motivated enough to fix it. I come home from work, cook for my daughter, help with her homework, and lay in bed. I hate looking at myself in the mirror. I am uncomfortable being naked in front of my boyfriend. I don't like the way my clothes fit.

I don't know if the answer is in trying another weight loss program, or in just healthy eating and exercise. I like the fact that on WW I could do a journal, and take to meetings each week and have the leader look over it. I liked the accountability. I don't have that anymore, and I am not motivated to keep a journal. I don't want to go back to WW because it didn't work for me before, and I don't know if it will work now. I liked the fact tat on the 6WBMO I could lose a good amount in a short time, but the food was so bland, that I haven't been able to eat eggs since (eggs whites for breakfast is not good).

Is there anyone else going thru this same dilemma that I am going thru? Can someone else recommend a weight loss plan that is inexpensive, has a variety of foods that you can eat, and works?

HELP!
Deondra

[Leenie]

Hi Deondra,

Because of your medical problems, the only thing I would suggest to you is to see your doctor. Only him/her would know what kinds of foods you could have that wouldn't cause you so much discomfort.

Have you tried a nutritionalist ? maybe your doctor could recommend one to you. A sensible plan from them and exercise will do the trick. Also once you start losing you will feel 100 x better about yourself.

I'm sorry I have no magic answer for you. One thing I can say is that we all feel the same way about our bodies being over weight. At least I do, thats why we are here to get support from one another and who better to give support then the people who are going thru the very same thing.

I'd like to invite you to come hang out with us on the daily threads here on the depresson boards, maybe we could help lift your spirits and maybe by writing things down (journaling if you will) will help you.

Hugs, Leenie

[Irishcoda]

Hi Deondra,

Leenie has a really good suggestion ... starting with your doctor.

I have had some bouts with depression and I saw myself when you wrote about your room and car and motivation. I didn't even feel motivated to go to the doctor. I was practically dragged there and I've been taking a low maintenace dose of anti-depressants and I've felt better than I have in a long long time.

I really like coming to this board too. It helps.

best wishes,
Cassie

[Genesis]

Deondra, If I were you, this is what I'd do...

1. Schedule a physical with your doctor to discuss your depression, acid reflux and what weight loss method your doctor recommends
2. Start exercising. Exercising releases endorphines which are the "happy hormones." Not only will exercising help with your weight loss, exercising is a mood elevator. Even if you can't muster more than a 15 minute walk, take a 15 minute walk. Then tomorrow, make it a 16 minute walk, and so on. Take your daughter and/or boyfriend with you if you need the company and support.
3. Journal your thoughts and try to spot trends in your emotions. Sometimes we can identify areas of our lives that are negatively impacting us when we can look back over a period of time. As you mentioned, you enjoyed journalling with WW. Just because you're not following WW any longer, doesn't mean you can't continue to journal. I strongly believe in journalling - both food journalling and emotional journalling.
4. Drink your water. You don't have to drink plain water, you can drink herbal tea, Talking Rain carbonated flavored water, soda water with a squeeze of lime, etc. Start with a goal of 32 ounces of water a day and slowly work your way up.
5. Don't worry about food just yet. Eat until you are full and try to stop there. Try to eat more veggies and fruit and less processed foods (chips, cookies, bread, cereals, crackers, etc.) but don't beat yourself up over the food just yet. You have bigger fish to fry right now. Food can come later after you've met with your docotor and possibly seen a nutritionist.
6. Clean up your room and your car! I ALWAYS feel better about myself when I'm living in an organized environment. Even if you don't want to, host your own little cleaning party. Put on your favorite music and shake your booty while cleaning up....you'll be burning calories while organizing your life!
7. Smile even if you don't want to and count your blessings.

Good luck and keep your chin up. You can do anything you set your mind to. Now go for it!

[deeaalexus]

Thanks for all the help everyone. All these suggestions are great. I felt better right after I posted the thread! Thanks so much~
Deondra